Epworth High School

Our girls-only high school offers exceptional facilities, committed teachers and an amazingly diverse way to learn and grow: academically, culturally, spiritually and personally. Epworth makes learning a fun and lively experience every day. There are multiple “beyond the classroom” sporting, cultural and social awareness activities, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic education for our “extraordinary” pupils. We encourage our girls to lead a life of significance in a rapidly changing world.

“Epworth has always embraced us as individuals in its community through diversity, opportunity and the motivation to excel. You truly cannot leave Epworth without being embedded in faith, instilled in courage and always valuing and expressing compassion.” ~ Grade 12 Epworth pupil

The Head of School

The Head of School – Ms Laura Bekker

Ms Laura Bekker joined Epworth as the 14th Head of School in January 2016. She boasts a distinguished 33-year career in the field of education and has 14 years’ experience as a principal. She most recently served as Principal of Rustenburg High School for Girls in Rondebosch, Cape Town – a position she occupied since 2007.

Ms Bekker attended Clarendon Girls’ High School in East London and graduated from the University of Port Elizabeth with a Bachelor of Arts degree, followed by a Higher Diploma in Education (HDE) from the University of the Witwatersrand.

Ms Bekker is well respected for her pioneering spirit in the areas of curriculum methods, leadership and the management of school systems. An accomplished English teacher, she also possesses skills that extend well beyond the classroom. She is an experienced hockey coach and also has expertise in co-ordinating musical concerts and productions. Ms Bekker is an active Rotarian and takes particular interest in the club’s literacy and education projects.

An excerpt from Ms Bekker’s philosophy on success resonates with Epworth’s ethos and values: “Success requires us to be true to ourselves and others, wholly capable of becoming the best we can be. People who are authentically successful do not judge themselves by the yardstick of the media in its many forms, or by the lives of pseudo celebrities. True success requires respect – for oneself and others. Successful people trust their own judgement and make ethical decisions, especially when faced with the pressures and challenges of life.”

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Academics in the High School

We are known for our academic prowess. Our small classes, with no more than 26 pupils per class, ensure that each girl receives special, personalised attention from the teachers and is able to meaningfully interact with others in the classroom. Our pupils are never ‘lost in the crowd’. Our pupils are individuals – to us, to themselves, to those around them.

Each pupil is assigned to a tutor and Grade 12 pupils also have a staff mentor to guide them during their final year at Epworth. Pupils are able to meet with their teachers one afternoon a week to discuss academic issues or queries.

Epworth pupils write the National Senior Certificate examinations set by the Independent Examinations Board (IEB), and we are proud to consistently achieve a 100% pass rate. Epworth is one of a select group of schools in South Africa (and one of only two girls’ schools in Pietermaritzburg), which are identified as an Allan Gray Orbis Foundation Circle of Excellence School. These schools are selected for their excellence in education and for repeatedly producing successful candidates for the Allan Gray Fellowship programme.

Our pupils lap up challenges, and tackle tests with enthusiasm. They write various national and international tests such as the English, isiZulu, Mathematics and Consumer Studies Olympiads. We also offer two extension courses for Grade 12 pupils: Advanced Programme Mathematics and Advanced Programme English, both courses designed to stretch students with talent in these subjects and better prepare them for tertiary study. Although these subjects are not part of the National Senior Certificate, the Independent Examinations Board recognises the effort and achievements of these students with a certificate.

Our academic achievements :

100% pass rate in IEB National Senior Certificate examinations

98.4% of pupils obtained university entrance (63 out of 64 candidates)

133 Distinctions

66% of pupils achieved 70% aggregate or higher

Overall average aggregate of 72%

Our proven recipe produces fully rounded, exceptional adults, and our girls thrive on formal and informal educational opportunities. One class a week is reserved for club activities and pupils choose from a wide selection of club topics such as craft, photography, cooking, debating, scrap booking, chess and dance.

Epworth has its own school counselor and female chaplain for additional, possibly non-academic, support of its girls.

“The academics are excellent. We are encouraged to test our limits and go beyond our abilities as we strive to maintain an even higher academic standard. We are privileged to have a wide range of subjects offered to accommodate every girl’s needs. I am proud to be at a school that takes such pains to make sure that I am well educated.”~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Spiritual Life

Epworth is a Christian school with a proud Methodist ethos. Our religion is important to us and central to school life. Our beautiful 50-year old chapel is set fittingly in the centre of our grounds. Assemblies and other school gatherings begin with Bible readings and prayer. Every week there is Boarders’ Chapel, School Chapel and assembly, and attendance is compulsory. Weekly chapel focuses on our lives and our relationship with God. Assembly focuses on life in the world and our role within the community.

As in the words of our school motto, “Fida, Humana, Fortis”, we believe:

Faith enables us to believe in spiritual good for everyone

Compassion helps us care for the world and all who live here

Courage gives us strength to strive for change wherever it is needed.

Epworth is not owned by the church. We are a Christian community with an affiliation to the Methodist Church of Southern Africa. The school is independently owned by a Trust, governed by a Board, and is operated through a management structure.

Epworth pupils represent over ten different Christian denominations and we also have many non-Christian pupils. We welcome all, as our Methodist ethos allows us to welcome anyone who is willing to live according to our standards and values.

Whilst we recognise that every moment of each day is an opportunity to be aware of the presence of Christ with us, and to grow in the knowledge and grace of Him, these are the specific activities that allow our pupils to engage and reflect on matters regarding their faith journey:

Monday Chapel (compulsory for all pupils)

Boarders Sunday Chapel (compulsory for all termly boarders): alternates between services at Epworth, Metro Methodist church in town and St Charles College (along with the St Johns boarders)

Cell groups: these small discussion groups (6-8 pupils from within the same grade) meet weekly during school time to further discuss and engage with the topics covered in Chapel, look more closely at what the Bible has to say and also provide support and accountability for the pupils. These groups are not compulsory: girls may choose instead to be part of a Reading group that looks at relevant issues, without a Christian focus.

Confirmation classes: for girls wishing to be confirmed, or to grow in their Christian faith, these classes take place in the second and third term of each year, culminating in our Confirmation service in the third term. At this service there is also an opportunity for girls to be baptised, should they wish.

SCA: this group meets weekly and is a wonderful, safe place for Christian pupils to worship together, receive teaching, discuss, pray for and support one another. It is a great opportunity for Christians from all grades, day scholars and boarders to get to know each other better, and encourage Christian Unity. We also try at least once a term to link in with SCA’s from other schools.

Prayer meeting: we have a weekly prayer meeting that takes place at break time, and also provide opportunities after our Chapel services for girls who would like to be prayed for.

Worship Team: our Worship Team assists in leading worship at our Monday Chapel services. The group meets on a Friday in our club slots to practice, but also to share and grow in our understanding of worship and how to lead worship.

“Epworth provides us with a perfectly balanced life, allowing us to grow in faith. Epworth is a place that I can show my true self!”~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Sport

At Epworth, we believe that a rounded education includes the opportunity to test your body’s strengths and skills as well as developing academic talents in the classroom. Every girl is encouraged to take part in at least two afternoons of sport each week. We have a wide selection of sporting activities and our top quality facilities and coaches ensure that there is something for everyone.

Our girls can choose from highly competitive and physically-challenging sports or try activities that are more social and less technical. Epworth students make the mark each year at both provincial and national level.

Sports on offer:

Athletics

Netball

Basketball

Soccer

Body conditioning

Squash

Canoeing

Stretch and tone

Cross-country

Swimming

Diving

Synchronised swimming

Hockey

Tennis

Indoor hockey

Water polo

High Performance:

The High Performance programme caters for the school’s top athletes regardless of age, to prepare them for competition in their chosen sports. During these training sessions, the girls work on physical, mental and social skills in a fun yet challenging atmosphere. The girls are kept in touch with training myths and trends and are guided to prevent over-training.

Adventure Sports:

Our girls may take part in Adventure Sports Tours, such as hiking the wilderness, sea kayaking around Mauritius, trail running and mountain biking in pristine KZN locations and paddling down the Orange River, as well as participating in multi-sport challenges such as the Mudman and Mudrun series.

“At Epworth pupils are encourage to do their best at sport. The sports coaches help you grow and achieve your goals. The Epworth spirit is so wonderful as your friends support you on and off the sporting field.”~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Cultural Life

Music:

Music is one of the major growth areas in our school. Our Music Department boasts two choirs, a jazz band, a string ensemble, various marimba bands and a worship team. There are ample opportunities for music-making in the school, and around 25% of our pupils are enrolled for instrumental or vocal lessons with specialist music teaching staff. A diverse range of performances on and off campus expose our pupils to a variety of music, whilst simultaneously offering them opportunities to perform. Music may be taken as a subject to Grade 12.

Art:

Our Grade 8 to Grade 12 art pupils are challenged to push the boundaries of artistic expression by developing critical thinking and an expressive visual language. The pupils are exposed to variety of art processes and explore both traditional and non-traditional media and practise. The pupils’ art is on display throughout the year in various areas of the school, and the Grade 8 to Grade 11 exhibition in October usually coincides with the Grade 12 Art Exhibition, featuring the Grade 12 Examination and Year work.

Theatre & Dance:

Epworth stages at least one major annual production, usually in association with a neighbouring boys’ school. Productions include musicals and straight plays. Participation in these productions is by audition, open to all High School pupils whether they study Drama as an academic subject or not. All Epworth pupils get to experience Drama as a Grade 9 subject, with many continuing with the subject to Grade 12.
Epworth’s Junior and Senior Dance Companies, together with the Epworth LiveArt Dance Company, perform in various dance reviews on and off campus. Participation in residencies and the workshops at the Jomba! Dance Festival in Durban provide valuable experience and stimulation for our Dance pupils whose creative work is featured in the ExperiDance festival in the second half of the year.

Our cultural achievements include:

Winner of 2016 Pietermaritzburg Junior Debating League

Winner of 2015 Pietermaritzburg Senior Debating League

Eight Epworth pupils selected for the KZN Midlands Youth Choir

Two Epworth pupils selected for the KZN Youth Orchestra

Third in non-Afrikaans high school choir category at the ATKV Applous Choir Competition

“Epworth offers an abundance of opportunities for eager minds ad fierce hearts. There is never nothing happening – no girl is left out and everyone radiates an excited and positive atmosphere that fills the school with life.”~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Social responsibility

Service is a key element of our Methodist ethos and means the use of our personal and community (school) resources to help others, making a true difference to the world around us. We believe that this isn’t a solely Christian emphasis. Only through values-based education are young people guided towards making sensible and compassionate decisions that balance personal interests and needs alongside the wider issues of our society.

Our social responsibility work encompasses the following:

The environment:

Epworth girls who care about the environment join our Earth-Active club, focusing on projects such as recycling, tree planting, animal welfare and highlighting environmental issues at our school. Club members take part in eco-themed quizzes and competitions. Epworth is proud to be part of the Eco-Schools programme that aims to bring environmental awareness to our schools, and we are one of the first schools in the country to be awarded an International Eco-Schools flag for our support of environmental projects. Some of our projects include a wormery, recycling including making and selling items made from waste, tree labeling, Adopt-a-Spot (caring for areas of the city) and we support and visit animal-focused projects such as the SPCA, FreeMe and Rhino protection.

Outreach:

Our Interact Committee aims to enrich and uplift the lives of those less fortunate members of our community, with visits to orphanages, old age homes and other organisations that care for the needy. The committee liaises with similar Interact clubs at other schools for a wider awareness of pertinent issues and an opportunity to share with other pupils. The abuse of women and children is an especially important focus. Interact also co-ordinates fundraising events for the whole school.

We are affiliated to the Pietermaritzburg branch of Rotary International.

Vogue:

We feel it is important for our girls to experience life in the outside world. The popular Vogue programme sees Grade 10 girls working in the Edendale community in partnership with Deloitte and Touche and the Thandanani Children’s Foundation. Other elements of Vogue include the learning of invaluable life skills such as self defence and healthy living. The programme culminates in a much-anticipated formal ball in the third term.

The President’s Award:

The President’s Award is an international self-development programme that seeks to empower young people between the ages of 14 and 25. It is a balanced, non-competitive programme, which enables pupils to become responsible and active citizens within their communities. Operating in 140 countries, it comprises three levels: bronze, silver and gold and involves successfully completing activities under the following sections: physical recreation, skills development, community service and adventurous journey.

Beyond the classroom

Epworth is committed to ensuring that our pupils experience a diverse and stimulating education, both on campus and through exposure to new places and people. Our girls enjoy tours to various destinations; presentations, seminars and talks on a variety of topics; opportunities to attend the theatre; career guidance sessions; participation in Rotary Exchange, and various community initiatives.

Epworth-on-the-move is a week-long programme that takes place after the third term half-term, when the Grade 12 girls write their trial examinations. The rest of the school’s pupils leave their classrooms to explore non-academic facets of life and learning.

“The academics at Epworth are supported by dedicated and enthusiastic teachers who care about each pupils marks and improvement. The academic programme is so much more than what is offered in the classroom. ” ~ Grade 9 Epworth pupil

Boarding and Pastoral Care

We know how important it is for boarders to be happy, comfortable and secure in their home-from-home boarding environment. We cater for boarders from Grades 8 to 12 on a weekly, termly and even overnight/temporary basis. Experienced and caring house-mothers and boarder mistresses take care of our boarders, developing personal relationships with all of ‘their’ girls.

There are currently about 160 boarders at Epworth, with 30 or so beds per grade: about 40% of the high school girls are boarders. Boarding is increasingly popular, with many families seeing the benefits of boarding, both practical (for working parents and single parent families, for example) and educational (girls learn to be independent, socially confident and responsible).

The physical, academic and emotional needs of all of our boarders are of special concern:

Departure from the school grounds is carefully monitored.

A clinic and san, managed by qualified nursing sisters, is available 24/7. Should a girl fall ill during the day, the state of the pupil’s health is assessed and the parents contacted if necessary.

Healthy, nutritionally balanced and appetising meals are prepared by an outside catering company with the likes and appetites of active, growing girls in mind. Special dietary needs are accommodated as far as possible.

Boarders may use the school’s sporting facilities.

The boarders’ academic progress and prep sessions are monitored by the Head of Boarding, an academic staff member who resides on the property.

Outings and trips are arranged over weekends, while the games room and TV room are popular social areas.

Pastoral care:

The school counsellor, nursing sister and female chaplain are available to cater for the boarders’ emotional and spiritual needs.

“Epworth is more than a school to me, its home.”~ Alison Enoch, Epworth pupil